As they walked away, Wen Shiru glanced back over his shoulder. He met Wangchen's gaze.
For a second, the mask dropped.
Wen Shiru's eyes were cold as if he was saying, 'You are just a mad dog. Keep barking, and I will put you down.'
Wangchen's eyes replied: 'Touch what is mine, and I will freeze the blood in your veins.'
Wangchen watched them go, his chest heaving slightly. The happy memory of the hotpot was gone, replaced by the bitter taste of rivalry.
He touched the white tassel on his sword again, grounding himself.
'He is in the kitchen,' Wangchen told himself, calming the storm in his heart. 'The Young Master is safe. He is waiting for me. Let the Sun shine over there. I will keep the Moon to myself.'
He leaned back against the tree, closing his eyes. But this time, there was no smile.
Only the cold, hard resolve of a Villain who had just realized that the entire world was trying to steal his treasure.
***
